Sunday, June 01, 2008

Here is a little known COOL new feature to the Zune Podcast support in the recent 2.5 firmware update. This feature is REVOLUTIONARY and I am surprised that it has not been blogged about before now, but you can now send video podcast episodes to other Zune devices using its built-in WiFi radio. This means that if you have found a cool episode from the Best of YouTube podcast that you can send it to a fellow Zune user and then that user can watch that episode on their device and subscribe to it all in the Zune device software. While the video podcast episode is playing - just click and hold the middle of the Zune touch pad until the subscribe screen pops up. Then click on "subscribe" and when you next sync your Zune it will add a new subscription to your "Collection" area. I think that is way cool and nothing you can do in an iPod.

2 comments:

I am interested in educational applications of the zune, beaming audio/video podcasts, any suggested resources/examples?

Seems like Zune is moving in the gaming direction, educators need some help in understanding Microsofts intent with the Zune. I know it is currently being targeted to the "hip" crowd but expanding the audience with some more mainstreamed uses could help. Some educators will be discouraged by the gaming aspect unless some educational games are developed out of the gate.

Would also love to have flash drive storage option to drag and drop files using Windows Explorer. (There is a hack for this so why not make it a standard feature?)

As for the classroom teacher loading content on multiple zunes is a pain. Can you send an audio/video podcast to ten or more Zunes at once with the new Version 2.5?

Here is another suggestion, there needs to be a two-for-one deal with the Zune. Not much use in having a Zune with wireless sharing if there are no other zunes around to share with. I really like the Zune interface but if some of the above mentioned features were added it would make it more competitive and useful. The price also needs to be significantly below the current competition price if there is any hope of gaining marketshare. Just my opinion...thanks in advance for considering.

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I am Head of Content at Spreaker.com and former EVP/CTO at Courtside Entertainment Group (PodcastOne.com) and former 7 year long Podcast Content Platform Manager, Podcasts on Windows Phone, Windows Media Center and Zune at Microsoft. Former nationally syndicated WebTalk World Radio Show/Podcast host. I am currently co-host of "The New Media Show" and former co-host of the Zune Insider Podcast. I am a Guinness Book of World Record Holder for building the World's Largest Glass or Orange Juice and am an early owner of a 100% Electric Car: 2011 Nissan Leaf.